Wild Running to stage new trail running event in Bristol
Paradise and Back, Saturday September 28, Leigh Woods Bristol
Paradise and Back Flyer
For several years now, I’ve been visiting Bristol, home to various family members and the current abode of my brother David and ex Bristol RFC player and I’d often wondered why I’d never seen any trail running events advertised in the very stunning surroundings of Leigh Woods, one of my favourite places to run when ever I’ve visited. I vowed to put on an event here and so it has come to pass.
Wild Running is teaming up with Oakfileds PT, which is the Clifton gym co-owned by my brother. I wanted to make the event tough but also accessible to entry level trail runners, so we’ve included a 15km and a 10km event to suit all levels, as well as a 5km fun run, for the younger runners and family members who want to run together. It promises to be a great day out and the timing is ideal, coming after two successive weekends of top events in the South West, the Bristol Half Marathon and the Tough Mudder, which can be used as warm up events for Paradise and Back! We hope we will complete the trilogy.
All those taking part will be helping to raise money for Bristol Children’s Hospital’s Grand Appeal, a charity that is close to David and I, as it was home to our nephew Manu, for the first few months of his life, when he contracted bacterial meningitis shortly after he was born in 2007.
We are indebted to our sponsor Ellis Brigham Mountain Sports, who have agreed to assist with prizes, as well as the National Trust and the Forestry commission for allowing us to use their land and for providing logistical support. Mark Brigham from Ellis Brigham Mountain Sports, had this to say: “We are delighted to support Paradise and Back. The trails around Leigh Woods are a favourite of mine and with the invitation extended to the whole family to come and enjoy this stunning woodland, it has the makings of a perfect day with a fantastic atmosphere.”
As Mark says, the event is intended for the whole family and organisers are encouraging people who live within a ten mile radius, to lift share, although parking will be available in Leigh Court. We aim to make this a carbon neutral event next year, when Bristol will be the European Green capital but this year we are encouraging people to car share as much as is possible.
Paradise and Back Trail Run